Comments on: From Musical Chairs to Pin the Tail on the Donkey-The party continues http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/ turning the tide upstate Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:10:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: rochesterturning.com: turning the tide upstate http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-130802 rochesterturning.com: turning the tide upstate Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:18:53 +0000 http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-130802 [...] any violence that might erupt as a result of the swarms of citizens (many African Americans) trying to exercise their right to assemble and peacefully protest the closed door selection process. Assembly member, David Gannt, was [...] [...] any violence that might erupt as a result of the swarms of citizens (many African Americans) trying to exercise their right to assemble and peacefully protest the closed door selection process. Assembly member, David Gannt, was [...]

]]> By: rochesterturning.com: turning the tide upstate http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-117280 rochesterturning.com: turning the tide upstate Sat, 23 Feb 2008 13:33:11 +0000 http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-117280 [...] would explicitly allow someone like, say, Jon Greenbaum, who got dragged out of Tuesday’s County Leg police state meeting for taking pictures, to take them. (Although, it seems anti-democratic in the first place to not allow a citizen to [...] [...] would explicitly allow someone like, say, Jon Greenbaum, who got dragged out of Tuesday’s County Leg police state meeting for taking pictures, to take them. (Although, it seems anti-democratic in the first place to not allow a citizen to [...]

]]> By: rochesterturning.com: turning the tide upstate http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-115802 rochesterturning.com: turning the tide upstate Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:45:32 +0000 http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-115802 [...] about the merits of open government, something that is very much on our minds in the wake of the closed county lej meeting on the public defender last [...] [...] about the merits of open government, something that is very much on our minds in the wake of the closed county lej meeting on the public defender last [...]

]]> By: rochesterturning.com: turning the tide upstate http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-115134 rochesterturning.com: turning the tide upstate Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:33:56 +0000 http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-115134 [...] to Monroe County Republicans like little kids imitating the bad behavior of their parents, from the Public Defender race and class war to the attack on schools to the impending MCC coronation. It has crept up on [...] [...] to Monroe County Republicans like little kids imitating the bad behavior of their parents, from the Public Defender race and class war to the attack on schools to the impending MCC coronation. It has crept up on [...]

]]> By: louis http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-114453 louis Thu, 14 Feb 2008 03:01:28 +0000 http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-114453 I don't know if Sandra Frankel heard the cynical comments directed at her by Dan "The best defense is a good offense and no, I'm not a lizard" Quatro, about how this was partisan because she, Rick Dollinger and Willa Powell all spoke. So let's see, when community leaders speak out about the things that led them to want to be community leaders, it's not leadership, it's partisan. I don’t know if Sandra Frankel heard the cynical comments directed at her by Dan “The best defense is a good offense and no, I’m not a lizard” Quatro, about how this was partisan because she, Rick Dollinger and Willa Powell all spoke. So let’s see, when community leaders speak out about the things that led them to want to be community leaders, it’s not leadership, it’s partisan.

]]> By: rochesterturning.com: turning the tide upstate http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-114418 rochesterturning.com: turning the tide upstate Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:21:44 +0000 http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-114418 [...] There are only 14 of them. There should be more, but as others have stated in the comments of my last 2 posts, that ship has sailed and laying blame at any one individual’s feet is [...] [...] There are only 14 of them. There should be more, but as others have stated in the comments of my last 2 posts, that ship has sailed and laying blame at any one individual’s feet is [...]

]]> By: jiminybizbo http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-114300 jiminybizbo Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:53:46 +0000 http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-114300 OK - So the public agrees that this is illegal. The elected's agree that this is illegal. The next stop on this bus is "What are we going to do about it"? Complaining is one thing - we need to bring this national and let them know that this WILL NOT be the way they will treat OUR community. I would like to know from the elected's: Can this administration be removed from office for multiple violations of law? Multiple violations of multiple classes of law including constitutional, civil, state, local and more? I know everyone thinks it's wrong - but I want to SEE someone STOP this now. Someone needs to stand up to the plate and the rest of us will follow in line. Now I ask again - where is our HERO? David Gantt is trying - but we need more. The racist attitudes of the GOP are trying to paint a different picture here than the truth. WHAT - elected's - are we going to DO? OK - So the public agrees that this is illegal. The elected’s agree that this is illegal. The next stop on this bus is “What are we going to do about it”?

Complaining is one thing - we need to bring this national and let them know that this WILL NOT be the way they will treat OUR community.

I would like to know from the elected’s: Can this administration be removed from office for multiple violations of law? Multiple violations of multiple classes of law including constitutional, civil, state, local and more?

I know everyone thinks it’s wrong - but I want to SEE someone STOP this now. Someone needs to stand up to the plate and the rest of us will follow in line.

Now I ask again - where is our HERO? David Gantt is trying - but we need more. The racist attitudes of the GOP are trying to paint a different picture here than the truth.

WHAT - elected’s - are we going to DO?

]]> By: ladkiddo http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-114280 ladkiddo Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:28:32 +0000 http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-114280 Welcome Sandy! Thanks so much for giving us your view. You're absolutely right. This was all about racism. I was embarrassed for the Republican Majority.I had hoped that one would step forward an decry this outrage, but they HAVE shown their true colors-and that starts with their black hearts. Welcome Sandy!
Thanks so much for giving us your view. You’re absolutely right. This was all about racism. I was embarrassed for the Republican Majority.I had hoped that one would step forward an decry this outrage, but they HAVE shown their true colors-and that starts with their black hearts.

]]> By: Sandra Frankel http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-114273 Sandra Frankel Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:02:23 +0000 http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-114273 Submitted by Sandra Frankel, Supervisor of the Town of Brighton, February 13, 2008: I’m sorry that your reporter missed my comments at the February 12th meeting of the Monroe County Legislature, which came before those included in the Rochester Turning report. I’d like to add my remarks to the record of Rochester Turning: “I had planned on talking about my objections to the selection process for the Public Defender and the importance of an open, non-partisan, inclusive process for justice and equality, and the need to start over; however, given the circumstances surrounding tonight’s meeting, I must instead speak about the travesty of democracy that we are experiencing here in Monroe County and by Monroe County government tonight. This is the worst that I’ve ever seen during my 30-plus years in Rochester. “Tonight’s meeting is an open, public meeting that the public has a right to attend, yet you have shut out the very people who have a vested interest in the matter, and have made the good people of this community wait outside in the freezing cold. In fact, I’m feeling a little frost bite myself. By closing the doors, you have violated the most fundamental tenant of democracy, the right of the people to attend meetings of their government. You have the right and responsibility to appoint the next Public Defender, whatever that decision may be, but the people have a right to have their voices heard and to be present during the debate and decision making. “I grew up in the segregated South, and tonight’s actions reminded me of the terrible policies and practices that existed before the Civil Rights Law of 1964 passed, and of the despicable attitudes that led to the actions of Bull Connors. Tonight’s actions also reminded me of the style of government practiced in the former Soviet Union. Your egregious actions against the people must stop. “You have given Monroe County a black eye. I am angry, embarrassed for our community, and disappointed in the actions of the legislative majority and county executive; and you should be ashamed of yourselves. ” Further observations of the meeting : Some people were confined to a small area of the County Office Building lobby under guard, and the fire code was cited as the reason for allowing so few inside, despite the fact that most of the lobby area remained unused. Many others were kept outside. For a while one-for-one exchanges were permitted, but then even that ceased. Once people left the lobby, they were not permitted to return. During this time, Channel 8 was not permitted to enter the building, despite the fact that other media outlets were reportedly present in the Legislative Chambers. Some people were removed by force from the Legislative Chambers, and Sister Grace was arrested. I noticed that seating had been removed from the public area of the County Legislative Chamber, and that the occupancy of the room had been reduced from 185 to 75 since last Saturday. If 185 people had met the fire code requirements then and for a very long time before that, then the limit of 75 people was simply a tactical device to keep the public out. When I pointed this out to Jon Greenbaum of Metro Justice, he quietly began to photograph the occupancy sign, which resulted in his forcible removal from the chambers by the guards. Can’t the public take photographs in the County Legislative Chamber during an open meeting? The entire evening smacked of racism and bigotry against African Americans and the poor. What is the County Legislature majority afraid? They have had packed audiences in the past on other issues and have not resorted to such extreme measures. From my point of view, they have shown their true colors, and we must continue the fight for free and open government that represents the people, not political patronage or privilege. Submitted by Sandra Frankel, Supervisor of the Town of Brighton, February 13, 2008:
I’m sorry that your reporter missed my comments at the February 12th meeting of the Monroe County Legislature, which came before those included in the Rochester Turning report. I’d like to add my remarks to the record of Rochester Turning:
“I had planned on talking about my objections to the selection process for the Public Defender and the importance of an open, non-partisan, inclusive process for justice and equality, and the need to start over; however, given the circumstances surrounding tonight’s meeting, I must instead speak about the travesty of democracy that we are experiencing here in Monroe County and by Monroe County government tonight. This is the worst that I’ve ever seen during my 30-plus years in Rochester.
“Tonight’s meeting is an open, public meeting that the public has a right to attend, yet you have shut out the very people who have a vested interest in the matter, and have made the good people of this community wait outside in the freezing cold. In fact, I’m feeling a little frost bite myself.
By closing the doors, you have violated the most fundamental tenant of democracy, the right of the people to attend meetings of their government. You have the right and responsibility to appoint the next Public Defender, whatever that decision may be, but the people have a right to have their voices heard and to be present during the debate and decision making.
“I grew up in the segregated South, and tonight’s actions reminded me of the terrible policies and practices that existed before the Civil Rights Law of 1964 passed, and of the despicable attitudes that led to the actions of Bull Connors. Tonight’s actions also reminded me of the style of government practiced in the former Soviet Union. Your egregious actions against the people must stop.
“You have given Monroe County a black eye. I am angry, embarrassed for our community, and disappointed in the actions of the legislative majority and county executive; and you should be ashamed of yourselves. ”
Further observations of the meeting :
Some people were confined to a small area of the County Office Building lobby under guard, and the fire code was cited as the reason for allowing so few inside, despite the fact that most of the lobby area remained unused. Many others were kept outside. For a while one-for-one exchanges were permitted, but then even that ceased. Once people left the lobby, they were not permitted to return. During this time, Channel 8 was not permitted to enter the building, despite the fact that other media outlets were reportedly present in the Legislative Chambers.
Some people were removed by force from the Legislative Chambers, and Sister Grace was arrested.
I noticed that seating had been removed from the public area of the County Legislative Chamber, and that the occupancy of the room had been reduced from 185 to 75 since last Saturday. If 185 people had met the fire code requirements then and for a very long time before that, then the limit of 75 people was simply a tactical device to keep the public out. When I pointed this out to Jon Greenbaum of Metro Justice, he quietly began to photograph the occupancy sign, which resulted in his forcible removal from the chambers by the guards. Can’t the public take photographs in the County Legislative Chamber during an open meeting?
The entire evening smacked of racism and bigotry against African Americans and the poor. What is the County Legislature majority afraid? They have had packed audiences in the past on other issues and have not resorted to such extreme measures. From my point of view, they have shown their true colors, and we must continue the fight for free and open government that represents the people, not political patronage or privilege.

]]> By: rochesterturning.com: turning the tide upstate http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-114270 rochesterturning.com: turning the tide upstate Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:37:35 +0000 http://rochesterturning.com/2008/02/13/from-musical-chairs-to-pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-the-party-continues/#comment-114270 [...] Help fight for Monroe County kids! Visit Unfair To Kids and let the county know you won't take the Brooks unF.A.I.R. plan lying down! (And don't forget to sign the Stop Monroe County petition-- Over 2000 3000 4000 folks have signed already!) « From Musical Chairs to Pin the Tail on the Donkey-The party continues [...] [...] Help fight for Monroe County kids! Visit Unfair To Kids and let the county know you won’t take the Brooks unF.A.I.R. plan lying down! (And don’t forget to sign the Stop Monroe County petition– Over 2000 3000 4000 folks have signed already!) « From Musical Chairs to Pin the Tail on the Donkey-The party continues [...]

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